New Hampshire judge dismisses lawsuit against mother of shooter

On behalf of The Law Offices of Stephen C. Brown & Associates posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, November 8, 2012.

On Wednesday, Judge Kenneth McHugh of the Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood dismissed a lawsuit brought by Greenland police officers after they were injured in a shootout during an attempted drug bust, according to The Union Leader.

In April, the Greenland Police attempted to execute a no-knock search warrant at the home of the Mutries. What followed was a firefight with Cullen Mutrie, a 29-year-old man suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade, though it was unclear what precisely he may have been engaged in. In the battle, four Drug Task Force (DTF) officers were wounded, and the Greenland police chief was killed.

The residence was owned by Cullen's mother, Beverly, and in the aftermath of the tragedy, the DTF officers filed a lawsuit against her, arguing that she was aware of her son's illegal activities and allowed her violent son access to firearms. Cullen was forbidden from purchasing or owning a gun after a 2010 domestic assault conviction.

However, McHugh's judgement said that Beverly could not be held responsible for her son during the altercation with police.

"Cullen Mutrie was 29 years old when he engaged in the firefight with police, and there is no evidence to support that (Beverly Mutrie) was in a position to control his actions," McHugh's opinion read.

After the shootout, Mutrie turned the gun, which the officers alleged he had inherited from his father, on his ex-girlfriend and himself, leaving only Beverly to answer for the crime.

McHugh disagreed with the officer's charge, saying, "These are not facts. These are assumptions."

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in the Granite State, an experienced New Hampshire criminal lawyer can defend you in court to ensure that you receive a fair trial.

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